A caesarean section is an operation which means your baby will be born via a cut in your abdomen. The cut is usually just below where your pubic hair starts to grow.
A calm, positive caesarean
There are many different reasons that you may have chosen to have a caesarean. Though it is a medical procedure, many hospitals have worked hard to make the experience as calm and positive as possible.
Your birth partner should usually be able to come with you into theatre and you should have the procedure, risks and benefits explained to you. If all goes well in theatre, you may be able to have your baby placed on your chest and have that lovely skin to skin contact as soon as your baby has been born. In most cases, you can still ask for your partner to cut the cord and usually, it is possible for pictures to be taken as your baby is being born.
Some women enjoy making a special playlist to last for the duration of a caesarean. This can help calm any anxieties and make things a little more relaxed as the procedure goes on. It is also sometimes possible for cord clamping to be delayed, depending on why you need a caesarean.
For more details on a calm caesarean section, take a look at this video from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells:
Talk to your midwife about what options are available to make your birth choice of a caesarean personal to you.